WASHINGTON, D.C. — Right On Crime, a national conservative criminal justice campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, has submitted additional formal recommendations to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in response to the Commission’s latest proposed amendments for the 2026 amendment cycle.
In its comments, Right On Crime supports solutions that expand judicial discretion, promote proportional sentencing, and sharpen the focus of federal law on truly violent and dangerous offenders, while cautioning against overbroad enhancements that may undermine fairness and effectiveness.
“Sentencing policy should protect the public while preserving judicial discretion,” said Brett Tolman, Executive Director of Right On Crime and former U.S. Attorney. “The Commission’s willingness to revisit complex areas of the Guidelines is an important step toward a system that is firm, fair, and rooted in evidence.”
Sentencing Options
Right On Crime supports the Commission’s proposal to emphasize that determining the type of sentence — probation, fines, split sentences, or imprisonment — is a critical threshold decision. Expanding access to appropriate non-custodial options for low to moderate-risk defendants can reduce recidivism, lower costs, and maintain public safety. In addition, Right On Crime encourages explicit consideration of victims’ needs in sentencing determinations.
Career Offender Guideline
Right On Crime offered cautious support for efforts to move away from the complicated “categorical approach” used to define a “crime of violence.” While clarity is needed, the organization urged the Commission to ensure that reforms distinguish truly violent recidivists from non-violent offenders and avoid sweeping enhancements that create disproportionate sentences.
Human Smuggling Enhancements
While strongly supporting accountability for dangerous smuggling operations, Right On Crime raised concerns about tiered sentencing increases based primarily on the number of individuals involved. A more victim-centered and role-based framework — focusing on vulnerability of victims and leadership roles rather than arbitrary numerical thresholds — will still achieve the desired effect of this amendment: punishing human smugglers.
“Precision matters,” said Rachel Wright, National Policy Director for Right On Crime. “If sentencing enhancements are too broad, they risk diluting resources and attention away from the most serious threats. Our recommendations encourage a balanced approach that protects victims, prioritizes dangerous offenders, and preserves proportional justice.”
Right On Crime’s latest submission reflects its ongoing commitment to data-driven federal sentencing policy that strengthens public safety, safeguards victims, and ensures punishment remains effective and measured. The organization looks forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Sentencing Commission as it finalizes amendments for 2026.
Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supporting conservative solutions for fewer victims, less crime, and safer communities. Founded in Texas in 2007 and launched nationally in 2010, Right On Crime leads the way in advancing criminal justice policies that are just, effective, and fiscally responsible. For more information, visit www.RightOnCrime.com.